131-2 
Among the Aborigines, even before the discovery of America, this plant was 
valued as an anthelmintic; the colonists of the South received their information 
concerning its properties from the Cherokees, who called it wzsteet/a, and from 
the Osages, who used it also as a sudorific and sedative, under the name of wzkaa. 
It was first introduced to the notice of physicians by Dr. Garden, who wrote 
several letters concerning its properties in 1763-6 to Dr. Hope. Drs. Lining and 
Chalmers, about this period, also contributed largely to its introduction. These 
physicians, and many others, have lauded the effects of the root upon lumbricoids, 
but all agreed that its efficacy was only certain when sufficient fresh root was 
taken to cause purgation; therefore, if such an effect did not take place, calomel 
or rhubarb were given to gain such action. This caused many others, who failed 
with the drug, to demean it, and search for its vaunted effects in the accessory 
drugs given; Spigelia, however, rose above all protests as an efficient vermifuge. 
Bergelius found it useful also in convulsions; and Ives and Barton considered it 
a valuable drug in encephalic forms of fever in children. 
The voot and Extractum Spigelie Fluidum are officinal in the U. S. Ph.; and 
in the Eclectic Dispensatory, Extractum Spigeli@ et Senne Fluidum, and L[nfusum 
Spigelte. 
PART USED AND PREPARATION.—The fresh root, gathered just before 
the flowers expand, is treated as directed under Gelsemium (page 130-2). The 
resulting tincture has a clear and beautiful reddish-orange color by transmitted 
light; no characteristic odor; an astringent and slightly bitter taste, and an acid 
reaction. 
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS. — Many analyses have been made of this 
species — none, however, that show the characteristics of the active principle. 
The following constituents of importance have been determined: An uncrystal- 
lizable, bitter substance, having alkaloidal characters, called by some Spige/ine, an 
acrid resin, fixed and volatile oils, extractive matter, and a peculiar tannin.* The 
properties of the root seem to be much greater than those of the herb, and also 
appear to be well extracted by either water or alcohol. 
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION.—Dr. Barton says+ Pink Root induces, occa- 
sionally, violent narcotic effects, such as dimness of sight, giddiness, dilated pupils, 
spasmodic motions of the muscles of the eye, and even convulsions. Dr.-Chalmers 
attributes the loss of two children by convulsions to this drug. Dr. Thompson 
found large doses to produce, in himself, acceleration of the pulse, flushed face, 
drowsiness, and stiffness of the eyelids. 
‘Bureau{ found that the drug acted as an acrid narcotic poison upon rabbits 
and other animals. : is 
_ Dr, Hedge Thompson,§ above referred to, found the following symptoms to 
__ be produced upon man, after the ingestion of varying doses, all considered large: 
* See Proc. Am. Phar. Assoc., 1837, 1323 Your. de Phar.,ix, 197; Am. Four. Phar., 1857, 511 : Phas. See: 
i, Vv, 354; dm. Chem. Four.,i, 104; and 4m, Four, Phar., 1884, 570. 
+ Veg. Mat. Med., ii, 80. 
_ «§ Dela familie des Loganiacees, 130. : 
ss & Exp. diss. on the Spigelia Marilandica, 1802. 
